Traditional eggnog recipe

I still remember the first time I tried Eggnog on Christmas with my grandmom (at my place it’s called Posset). I took a cautious sip, all the flavors danced in my taste buds. It was like sipping a cloud made of sweetness and warmth. Each sip took me on a journey through a winter wonderland. This drink is a type of flip – one of the 6 basic cocktails.

What struck me most was the comforting warmth that spread through me with every sip. It was a sense of coziness and contentment that enveloped me as if I were wrapped in a soft, fuzzy blanket or got a hug from my beloved family.

Since then, eggnog has become my favorite thing about the holidays, a simple pleasure that makes the season feel extra special. When I was a kid, I always loved the basic Posset. But when growing up, I prefer the alcoholic version of this drink. Here is how to make Eggnog with alcohol:

Classic Eggnog

A perfect comfort drink during the holiday season.

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Total Time 2 20

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, European

Servings 4

Calories 370 kcal

Ingredients

4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
1/4 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy You can also use vodka, amaretto, or whiskey (Fireball)
Additional nutmeg for garnish
Whipped cream for topping optional

Instructions

Separating the egg yolks from the egg whites. Place the yolks in a large mixing bowl and set the whites aside. In the mixing bowl with the egg yolks, add the granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
In a separate saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove it from the heat.
To prevent the eggs from curdling, slowly add the warm milk and cream mixture to the egg yolk and sugar mixture, whisking constantly as you pour.
Stir in the ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring constantly. Heat the mixture until it reaches 71°C (160°F). This will ensure that the eggs are cooked and the eggnog is safe to consume. Do not let it boil.
Remove the eggnog from the heat and stir in the bourbon or rum. Adjust the amount to your preference, and keep in mind that the alcohol will provide a noticeable kick.
Allow the eggnog to cool to room temperature. Then, cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until it’s thoroughly chilled. Chilling allows the flavors to meld.
When ready to serve, beat the reserved egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the chilled eggnog to create a frothy texture.
Ladle the eggnog into cups or glasses, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, and optionally top with whipped cream. Now you can sip it.

Notes

– Eggnogs can be served with holiday cookies, gingerbread, or a slice of fruitcake.

– You can age your eggnog by refrigerating it for several weeks or even months before consumption. This aging process allows the flavors to meld and develop, creating a smoother and more refined taste. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

– If you want to keep your eggnog longer, you can freeze it for for a maximum of 6 months. You should use a container with approximately half an inch of space at the top to accommodate expansion during freezing.

Keyword Christmas, drinks, gluten free, holiday, homemade, uncooked

Variations

Besides the old-fashioned eggnog, you can try other numerous types to suit different flavors and dietary preferences.

You can make a non-alcoholic family-friendly version by eliminating alcohol from your recipe. If you’re a vegan, you can do vegan version by replacing dairy with almond milk, coconut milk, or another plant-based milk and using thickening agents like cornstarch or a vegan egg replacer or silken tofu for the creamy texture.

Recipe for eggnog dessert — DIY vegan recipe: dairy-free and eggless

You can also add different ingredients to the recipe, such as hot brewed coffee or espresso (eggnog latte), honey, hot chocolate, caramel syrup, pumpkin puree, strawberry, ice cream, and extracts like vanilla, almond, peppermint, and rum extract. You can even bake eggnog into custard cups for a delightful dessert.

what is eggnog?

Eggnog, often associated with the holiday season, is a creamy and rich drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. When I was a kid, Christmas meant one thing I couldn’t wait for – my grandma’s amazing Eggnog (or Posset).

The origins of this drink can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was originally known as “posset,” a warm, ale-based concoction that is made of milk, eggs, and spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg).

The drink evolved over time, and by the 18th century, it was popular in the American colonies. Its name likely comes from the term “noggin,” which refers to a small wooden mug or cup used for drinking. It has become an integral part of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in many cultures around the world, as a symbol of warmth and togetherness during the winter season.

It was believed that consuming raw eggs in this drink during the winter months would provide health benefits and ward off illnesses.